Cheng Chin-lung leads Dreams to win over Rangers

Dreams continued their unbeaten run at home with a 1-0 win over Rangers on Sunday, November 19th, at Tsing Yi Sports Ground. Lam Hin-ting’s goal just before half time was enough to secure all three points for Dreams.

Rangers fielded the same line up as for their win against Pegasus. Chuck Yiu-kwok played as left winger, while Zhang Jun continued to partner with Marko Krasic in the midfield in a classic 4-4-2 formation. Meanwhile, Dreams made two changes after suffering a defeat in Guangzhou. Lam Hin-ting replaced Lui Man-tik as right wing back and Arkaitz Ruiz came in for Yoon Doonhun in the midfield.

The Dreamers had more chances in the first half. After five minutes, Lam Hin-ting’s cross found Nacho Martinez in the box, but his shot from close range was saved by Wong Tse-yeung. Ten minutes later, Martinez delivered a pass to Arkaitz Ruiz, but this time Igor Miovic intervened. At the 36th minute, Lam Hin-ting’s through ball found Ruiz, who crossed the ball to Martinez, but Yeung Chi-lun was in place to stop him.

Rangers had almost no chance in the first half, and finally conceded a goal during injury time. After a Rangers corner, Ruiz’ long pass found Cheng Chin-lung, who then went pass Igor Miovic to set up Lam Hin-ting who calmly put the ball past Wong Tse-yeung to give Dreams the lead just before the first half ended.

In response, Rangers became more active in the second half, having a few chances to equalise. The first one came after just two minutes, when Zhang Jun’s corner was met by a volley from Chuck Yiu-kwok, but he did not find the target. Meanwhile, Dreams tried to exploit the space left by the Rangers defence, as they pressed higher to look for an equaliser. At the 49th minute, Nacho received an overhead pass, but his shot was once again blocked by Wong Tse-yeung. The Rangers keeper provided another good save after a header by Pablo Gallardo.

Meanwhile, Rangers utilised Yeung Chi-lun’s long throw-ins, but Krasic’s headerwent wide. On the other end, Cheng Chin-lung’s skill and pace created constant problems for Rangers in counter attack. The loanee from Kitchee even had a chance from close range in the 77th minute, only to be saved by the the outstanding Wong Tse-yeung.

As the match came closer to end, Rangers hoped to salvage a point from the match. Dejan Antonic ordered Clayton to play as a striker, but the threat was minimal. Dreams had another chance when Arkaitz Ruiz’s cross found Martinez, but his shot was cleared off the line by Yeung Chi-lun.

Dreams climbed to fourth place after the win, leapfrogging Southern, while Rangers remained at the bottom of the table.